--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This view of farming has been dominant…" description: "\"“This view of farming has been dominant now for a generation, and so it is not too soon to ask: How well does it work? We must answer that it works as ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/968/wendell-berry-236_computers_this-view-of-farming-has-been-dominant-n_339493.jpg" --- # This view of farming has been dominant now for a… ![“This view of farming has been dominant now for a generation, and so it is not too soon to ask: How well does it work? We must answer that it works as any industrial machine works: very “efficiently” according to the terms of an extremely specialized accounting. That is to say that it apparently…” quote by Wendell Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/968/wendell-berry-236_computers_this-view-of-farming-has-been-dominant-n_339493.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/968/wendell-berry-236_computers_this-view-of-farming-has-been-dominant-n_339493.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/968/wendell-berry-236_computers_this-view-of-farming-has-been-dominant-n_339493.jpg) > ““This view of farming has been dominant now for a generation, and so it is not too soon to ask: How well does it work? We must answer that it works as any industrial machine works: very “efficiently” according to the terms of an extremely specialized accounting. That is to say that it apparently makes it possible for about 4 percent of the population to “feed” the rest.”” [Wendell Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wendell-berry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote critiques industrial agriculture’s efficiency, noting it serves a tiny elite while feeding the majority, and questions its true effectiveness. **In simple terms:** Industrial farming is efficient for a few but serves the many. Key Takeaway Rethink food systems for broader benefit. Themes agriculture efficiency equity industrialization sustainability Mood critical thoughtful Type analytical concerned When to use this quote - policy reform - community-supported agriculture - local food movements - educational campaigns Key Concepts resource allocation social justice environmental impact Questions to Reflect On - How can we measure food system success beyond output? - What alternatives balance efficiency with equity? A Different Perspective Efficiency metrics ignore ecological and social costs. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Computers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/computers/) [Farming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/farming/) ## Related quotes > [With earth's burgeoning human population to feed we must turn to the sea with understanding and new technology. 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The ones who choose to farm choose for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wendell-berry/there-are-only-two-reasons-to-farm-because-you-have-to-and-because/) [Wendell Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wendell-berry/) > [“As Gill says, "every man is called to give love to the work of his hands. 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